Introduction
From: Psalm 118, Luke 24, Acts 10, 1 Corinthians 15.
God is not just a helper but the source of strength and the one who brings about salvation–a master planner. Psalm 118 affirms God’s power to act decisively in history. His “right hand has done mighty things…marvelous in our eyes” (vv15,23). In wonder, we are infused with the fervour of hope, moved to joy. Behind it all is the awareness of a plan. God has acted in history, does so now “this very day” (v24), and he lays a “cornerstone” for future work. All the prophets give testimony to this working (Acts 10:43). Jesus himself disclosed the final piece revealing he must be handed over, crucified and would rise again (Lk 24:7). The “must” means necessary, otherwise, the plan fails. Finally, Paul offers a list of witnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8) testifying to the outworking of the plan when everything comes together, and Paul can say “Now I make known unto you…” (1Cor.15:1) and Peter to say, “Truly I understand…” (Acts 10:34), and all of us are left in wonder.
Luke 24:4, 6b-7.
When Peter saw the empty sepulchre, he “went away wondering to himself” (Lk.24:12). What he found was unexpected even though Jesus had announced He must be crucified but would rise on the third day. Unlike astonishment or perplexity (v4), Peter’s “wonder” supersedes confusion with the desire to understand what he had found. Wonder lingers, stimulates, challenges, awakens us to new possibilities. Peter, like the women, must “remember” Christ’s words. It’s a nudge that will channel wonder to new understanding. Our wonder should be no less than Peter’s. We are asked to remember, to wonder at Christ’s victory over evil, death and dark despair, to wonder at His transformative gift of salvific hope.
Acts10:34-35
With Peter’s transformation, the work of wonder in him, the prodding of remembrance, Peter “perceives” God’s plan and, in the plan, God Himself. He doesn’t just “get it”; he truly understands, aggressively seizing hold of the truth as one seizes a life-ring. (Acts 10:34-35). Peter appropriates the “good news.” Acceptance animates him, gives his life fervour, meaning, and purpose in conveying God’s truth. Fervour comes when we encounter God’s presence—our creator, judge, refuge, help, master of our time, redeemer; the One desiring that none should perish, but that all should be saved. Our natural response is awe and wonder, “fear” (the reverence, respect, desire for obedience, and concern regarding our sin). Peter fell down before Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful person, O Lord” (Lk. 5:8). Here, he proclaims. This is the beginning of wisdom.
Acts 10:43
That wisdom blossoms in Acts 10:43.
An explosion appears at the end of Peter’s sermon in the house of a gentile, Roman centurion. Peter presents a radical departure from the first-century Jewish notion of salvation, which emphasized Torah observance, doing good deeds, a focus on present life and communal well-being, and enjoying God’s blessings and protection. Critically, Peter asserts that a consistent core message of salvation has been proclaimed via the prophets throughout Scripture. The message is that forgiveness and salvation are freely offered “to whosoever/all” believes in Jesus. Belief means putting one’s trust/faith in Jesus—relying on Him. Reliance stems from our recognition of need, the staggering chasm between us and God. Belief implies conduct that demonstrates our return to God through Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4,14.
Firm belief results in certainty that directs our actions.
Believers have made a stand in the Gospel. Belief and repentance have brought the hope of salvation. Upon recognizing the evil sin represented before God, the offer of freedom through Christ’s sacrifice was embraced. But our stand is nothing without the defeat of death. Satan brought sin which leads to spiritual death (Rm.5:12)- separation from God, disorder in His ordered creation. The fear and bondage this imposes are only realized/felt when the eyes of our heart (Eph.1:18) are opened. Stand on the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection that broke Satan’s power of sin and death. Hold fast to what seems a dream- that he rose again- lest your faith be in “vain.” Every morning (Ps.143:8), stoke the fire in your heart (Lk.24:32).
1 Corinthians 15:10
One way to stoke the fire is focus on the cross.
Paul uses the term “word of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18) to describe the heart of his message. What he “received” and “delivered” (v. 3) was the foundational truth of Christ’s death and resurrection—Christ died “that the body of sin [the governing principle of sin (Eph. 6:12)] might be destroyed” (Rom. 6:6). Paul subordinates himself in his labor (v. 9). God’s grace defines him: a gift not wasted. His labor, his purpose, is not about him; “not I,” he says, “but the grace of God.” Carry the message—not with “I believe…” but “Christ did…” Paul makes a direct statement of fact— “Christ died”—and provides witnesses [vv. 5-9]. There is no room for doubt or personal opinion. Christ did everything for us, so we will not perish.